The 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport combines luxury styling and 402 horsepower with a manufacturer-rated electric range of 229 miles. The all-wheel-drive SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, but its driving range trails several electric competitors.
Lexus is trying again. When the luxury brand of Toyota debuted the electric Lexus RZ lineup in 2023, its lackluster range negated all the finer attributes usually associated with the upscale brand.
For 2026, the bad news returns, in part: Most of the electric lineup now offers improved range. The new RZ 550e F Sport has the most power, the biggest battery and the biggest wheels, but while the average range among electric vehicles is approaching 325 miles, the F Sport trim’s 229-mile range is nearly 100 miles less.
Compare that with the Tesla Model Y’s three models’ ranges from 321 to 357 miles, or the Cadillac Lyriq, which has a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive option and a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive option, with respective ranges of 319 and 303 to 326 miles.
The 550e adopts the North American Charging System (NACS), aligning with Tesla’s charging standard. Two charging adapters, for Combined Charging System (CCS) and J1772 connections, are located in a zippered case adhered to the upper-right inside trunk panel.
As expected, the 550e F Sport, a combination hatchback and sport utility vehicle, is the quickest choice in the RZ lineup. The vehicle’s briskness is the start of the fun.
The new M Mode is an electronic system that provides simulated manual gear shifting via paddle shifters. The driver can control power as if the standard one-speed transmission were a manual transmission. The 550e F Sport also has a shift-guide meter on the instrument display. It allows drivers to track gear changes in real time.
The system also includes some of my least favorite “innovations” in recent years. Lexus includes simulated engine and exhaust sounds. It’s the automotive version of networks enhancing golf coverage with repetitive fake bird sound reels.
What’s the point? Nature is just fine during golf telecasts, and the Lexus driving experience is satisfying without artificial bravado added.
The cabin of the 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport features a 14-inch central touchscreen, digital driver display and sport-oriented seating. Reviewer James Raia praised the electric SUV’s interior materials and driving dynamics while finding fault with its limited range and some controls.
As a long-standing luxury brand, Lexus does interiors right. The layout has a sporty feel, although the quality-bolstered front seats are on the snug side. Quality materials are prominent in seating, dashboard and flooring. Suede door panels add a classy component.
Seating is heated and ventilated. The driver’s seat is 10-way adjustable; passengers have eight-way adjustments.
Two small items need improvement. The push-button start-stop feature is high and deep in the dashboard, making it hard to reach.
The other issue: Why don’t more manufacturers take a cue from Hyundai and the door-closing arrangement on its Ioniq 5? The push-button door opener is small and flush against the panel. It’s particularly difficult to operate with the signature Lexus heavy doors and overall curb weight of 5,000 pounds. The Ioniq 5 has open and close canals across the door panels for far easier access.
The interior also includes a modern digital driver display and a 14-inch touchscreen. Standard tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and dual Bluetooth connectivity. The reviewed RZ 550e F Sport also offers an available 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Safety features have been upgraded and include pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane tracing and lane-changing assist, traffic jam assist, proactive driving assist and front cross-traffic alert. A keyless ignition, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel are also standard.
With its solid maneuverability and tight feel, the new RZ e-trim is all about fun. It offers all that the brand does best, so Lexus fans, rejoice.
But for potential new brand buyers, the trim gives EV skeptics more fodder. Its subpar range is likely to be a dealbreaker.
Test drive
14200 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
13491 N. Tamiami Trail, Naples
Facts and figures
Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph, 4.1 seconds
Electric range: 228 miles
Horsepower: 408
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $58,295
Price as driven: $61,450
Manufacturer’s website: lexus.com
Warranty:
Bumper-to-bumper: 4 years/50,000 miles
Electric powertrain: 6 years/70,000 miles
Battery: 8 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion: 6 years/unlimited miles
Roadside assistance: 4 years/unlimited miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance: 1 year/10,000 miles
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